in rear from 3rd, struggling from 8th, tailed off when pulled up before 4 out
close up, led 3 out, headed last, one pace
chased leaders, reminders approaching 10th, outpaced 3 out
always behind and mistakes, struggling from 9th, tailed up when pulled up before 4 out
prominent, challenged 4 out, led last, stayed on well
led, headed 3 out, soon outpaced
in touch, effort approaching 3 out, soon beaten
This thorough test of stamina is perfect for ROYAL MACINTOSH, who goes well at the track and gets the vote ahead of Delray Beach. In truth it is a moderate contest where small stakes are advised, but Royal Macintosh is at least proven over the track and in bottomless ground. The form of his recent defeat by King Barry has worked out well and despite looking fully exposed he might still be good enough to win this. Delray Beach did not complete behind King Barry at Ayr earlier in the week but she does love cut and a real test, and gets that here. First-time headgear is applied by her trainer and although the mare is not in great form that might galvanise her to greater efforts. Super Road Train acts well here and on this ground, however, he is 10lbs higher than when winning over course and distance in March and this is no easy task. Ballyvoge scored here over 2m 4f in April but has looked in the grip of the handicapper in two runs so far this campaign and even with his conditions here he is no good thing. Laeres and Manoubi both need a favour from the assessor and with a reminder to tread carefully here we'll give the vote to Royal Macintosh.
Laertes 9-1 (11-4) Always towards rear, struggling from 7th, 6th of 11, well behind Gidam Gidam (11-4) at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gs.
Ballyvoge (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Led, hit 7th, headed 9th, weakened 4 out and pulled up 3 out in race won by Borero (11-5) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-125 (3) sft in Nov, 8 ran.
Super Road Train 9-1 (10-6) In touch, weakened from 10th, 5th of 13, 29l behind Ice Tea (11-11) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) gs in Nov.
Delray Beach (FR) 16-1 (11-2) Always towards rear, pushed along and detached from 4th, tailed off when pulled up at the 6th in race won by King Barry (11-12) at Ayr 3m 1f hcp chs 0-125 (3) hvy, 9 ran.
Royal Mackintosh 6-1 (11-4) In touch, outpaced and not fluent 15th, rallied after 2 out, kept on, no impression, 4th of 12, 11l behind King Barry (11-8) at Kelso 3m 1f hcp chs 0-115 (4) sft in Nov.
Matmata de Tendron (FR) 18-1 (10-1) Led, ridden and headed 3 out, driven and weakened next, 6th of 9, 29l behind Zitenka (11-7) at Wetherby 3m 1f hcp chs 0-130 (3) sft.
Manoubi 4-1 (11-2) Held up in touch, chased leaders approaching 7th, weakened after 2 out, 5th of 7, 15l behind Boris The Blade (11-12) at Hexham 2m 4f hcp hdl 0-110 (4) hvy in Nov.
